5 Reasons You Should Remove Your Muffler (And Why You Don’t)
Have you ever wanted to make your car sound louder but didn’t know where to start? People often modify their exhaust by removing the muffler, which is called muffler removal. Should you try removing your muffler? Is it legal? Here are some things to consider before you unpack your hacksaw.
Benefits of Removing the Silencer
1) It’s Fast
If you want the quickest way to make your exhaust sound louder, this is the way to go.
2) Simple
The muffler is almost always easily accessible. Many vehicles don’t even need to be lifted off the ground for this modification.
For some vehicles, there are aftermarket bolt-on kits available to replace the factory muffler. This is called an axle-back exhaust, and is a much better solution than simply cutting the muffler off with a reciprocating saw.
3) Cheap
This is one of the cheapest modifications you can make to your vehicle, especially if you can weld. Creating replacement exhaust trim not only completes the look, it also makes your car safer.
Extending the exhaust pipes rearward allows hot exhaust gases to exit as intended instead of escaping under the vehicle.
4) It’s Noisy
Mufflers are a key component in quieting the stock exhaust sound. Removing them will make your car noisier.
5) Improved Performance
Mufflers are a major restriction in the exhaust system. Removing them frees up horsepower and allows exhaust gases to escape the vehicle more easily.
Disadvantages of Removing the Silencer
1) Potential Fire Hazard
If you cut the muffler with a reciprocating saw and leave it there is a high chance of a fire starting from the exhaust fumes.
Depending on the vehicle, if the exhaust leaks out from under the car it can melt important components nearby such as: cables, brake lines, plastics. In extreme cases this can cause a fire.
It is always best to have a pipe installed on the exhaust that extends to the factory exhaust tip. This also looks better overall.
2) No, it’s really loud
Before making this change, make sure you’re ready for this sound level. Vehicles without resonators or turbos will be noisier than those with these components. So, keep that in mind when looking for the noise level you need.
Is this your everyday car? If so, you might not appreciate the extra roar on the highway. If you live in the suburbs, your neighbors might not be too keen on this change either, especially if you drive to and from work early in the morning. Is it legal to remove the silencer? To answer this question accurately, you need to check your local noise laws. For some vehicles, simply turning off the muffler may not allow you to exceed the vehicle’s noise threshold.
Some parts of the world have very strict laws against vehicle modifications, so if you’re worried about possible fines, check these regulations as well.
Do I need a muffler to pass an emissions test? Since mufflers are almost always located behind the catalytic converter, you usually don’t need to worry about emissions regulations. A vehicle that can pass with a muffler should be able to pass without one.
Double check your local laws to see if a vehicle without a muffler will pass a visual inspection at your next emissions inspection. Removing the muffler won’t increase emissions, but it may cause it to fail an emissions test in some areas if it appears that some of the exhaust is missing.
Removing the muffler and removing the resonator
A resonator is also a type of silencer. Resonators are usually placed in the center of the exhaust after the catalytic converter.
While a muffler quiets the exhaust, a resonator actually changes the sound by removing harsh sounds that are bad for the overall sound of the car. A silencer reduces the amount of exhaust but doesn’t change the sound character at all.
If you like the sound of your exhaust but want it to be a little louder, consider omitting the resonator. If you want a different sound and more volume, consider buying a complete cat-back exhaust system. How much does it cost to remove a muffler?
Muffler removal can cost anywhere from nearly nothing (if you do it yourself) to $500 (if you buy an aftermarket bolt-on kit).
If you want OEM quality fit and finish, you should consider an aftermarket kit. Some exhaust shops may even offer replacement exhaust tips for relatively little money.
What are straight pipes? A straight pipe is an exhaust system without a catalytic converter, resonator, or muffler. This type of exhaust has no restrictions, which makes it one of the loudest exhaust systems out there.
If you’re looking for a bit more volume, a straight pipe isn’t for you. It will probably make your car louder than you like, and it could get you in trouble with local police and emissions inspections.